Princi – Starbucks Reserve

The very first ever Starbucks Reserve coffee shop has opened outside of Seattle and Chicago was lucky enough to get it! Princi is the name of the fancier Starbucks cafe that only serves Starbucks reserve and makes fresh, every day, breads, pastries and pizza.

So of course we had to check this out, I waited till it’s been open for a few months, just to let the crowds settle down a little. Starbucks kinda has a cult following, people go crazy for that stuff and the Reserve is extra special cause no where will roast it! It’s literally only available for purchase! One sad thing to note for those that are Starbucks junkies and have the reward program, you cannot use your rewards here. Bummer I know. 

Princi is of course located on Randolph in the trendy West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Where else would you expect them to go? The great part about this though is we were easily able to grab parking out front this morning! #winning

When we walked in there was a medium sized morning crowd, no lines but the bar seats around the circumference of the coffee/food bar were pretty taken up. We were instantly greeted by a friendly barista behind the bar that I think could instantly tell probably based on by the looks on our face we had never been fore. You walk in and are instantly hit with the delicious smells of freshly baked breads and espresso. Oh heaven! 

But the barista was quick to greet us and basically gave us the full rundown of the cafe itself and all the foods they had to offer in the morning. Sadly no pizza till 11am, we were an hour too early. (Grrr). Danny and I both of course went with very strong espresso focused drinks so that we could get the true taste of the Starbucks Reserve. Danny opted for his favorite, the cappuccino and I ordered a cortado. 

So actually interest fact here, normal Starbuck’s do not make/serve cortados, but the Princi cafe did! I was excited to give this a try. While waiting we were able to browse all the freshly baked food and the dessert cooler. They had the most delicious looking tiramisu in there. I think Danny and I were both tempted by it, another reason to come back though cause I was really looking forward to trying some of their freshly baked pizzas. Princi serves breakfast I believe until 11am and then they transition to more lunch and dinner focused foods. Because you could actually come here after work for a drink and dinner as well! 

The bar is  adorable and I could see this being a fun place to meet for a date or with a friend to get a glass of wine and slice of pizza after work. If I worked or even lived close enough I would highly consider.

Espresso orders up and we were able to sit along the window seating and enjoy our drinks. Oh man were they fabulous. I really loved the Reserve espresso, its much darker and has richer more full flavor that leaves your mouth a little dry after, but wanting to drink more right away. Danny also really enjoyed his cappusion,. It’s ranked in the top 10 he said! So worth the trip to check Princi out, next time here I want to try some pizza and dessert. Based on how good that cortado was I’ll probably pass on the wine and just always order that when I’m lucky enough to be out this way. It was so delicious!   

Has anyone else tried Starbucks Reserve? What are some of the drinks you have tried? Also, baked good recommendations that I shouldn’t pass on next time I’m there?